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Garfield Police Chief for a Day Jadyn LoGrande, Saddle Brook Police Chief for Day Ava Guardares, BC Sheriff’s Chief for a Day Nuh Marey, Hasbrouck Heights Police Chief for a Day Declan DeBaun

CHIEF FOR A DAY:
Nearly two dozen children with chronic health conditions from across Bergen County got to serve as Police “Chief for a Day” for their towns.

CLIFFVIEW PILOT photos

They include Saddle Brook Police Chief for Day Ava Guarderas, Garfield Police Chief for a Day Jadyn LoGrande, Hasbrouck Heights Police Chief for a Day Declan DeBaun and Bergen County Sheriff’s Chief for a Day Nuh Marey (
photos, above
).

The fifth annual program, sponsored by Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino, included motorcade rides to the steps of the county courthouse in Hackensack for the youngsters, aged six to 15.

Each got his or her own uniform at the various agencies, including the sheriff’s and prosecutor’s offices.

VIDEO:
HERE’S A PHOTO SLIDE SHOW FROM THE DAY:

After the “swearing in” and department tour came the royal escort, followed by a lunch ast the Empire Club in Little Ferry with guest speakers, games, activities and gifts that included a commemorative plaque.

“As public servants, it is our duty to bring care to those who need it the most,” Saudino told
CLIFFVIEW PILOT
. “We live for these days, when we can have a positive impact on our communities and celebrate life.”

Saudino, a former Emerson police chief, created “Chief for a Day” with a modest number of chiefs and other officers soon after becoming sheriff. The event quickly became one of the most popular outings in the county.

A host of businesses contributed the uniforms, plaques, meals and other amenities that go with the special behind-the-scenes look that the children and their families got into the inner workings of law enforcement.

“I’ve been in law enforcement for more than 30 years,” Saudino said. “We live for these days, when we can have a positive impact on our communities and celebrate life.”